IAWG members are addressing sexual and reproductive rights during COVID-19 humanitarian response. Read More>>

Unit 2: Core Concepts: Gender-Based Violence

Overview

This unit explains the link between gender-based violence and violations of human rights, describes the guiding principles for working with survivors of sexual violence, and examines how social norms can affect survivors’ ability to seek help and access care.

Objectives

By the end of this unit, participants will:

  • Explain the link between gender-based violence and violations of human rights.
  • Define gender-based violence.
  • Describe the guiding principles for working with survivors of sexual violence.
  • Increase awareness of and empathy for the difficulties survivors who experience violence face when seeing support.
  • Highlight how social norms can affect survivors’ ability to seek help and access care, including special populations.*
  • Encourage participants to consider what they can do as providers to provide an empathetic response to survivors of sexual violence.
  • Critically reflect on participants’ own perceptions and beliefs that may affect the quality of care survivors receive, including members of special populations.*

*For this training, the term “special populations” should be read to refer to groups who are excluded or marginalized based on their identities or characteristics, including but not limited to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA) people; adolescents; persons living with disabilities; sex workers; and religious or ethnic minorities.

Timing & Methodology

Total: 270 minutes (4 hours, 30 minutes)

  • 20 minutes: Video and Group Discussion
  • 40 minutes: Facilitator Presentation and Video
  • 90 minutes: Group Activity: In Her Shoes
  • 60 minutes: Group Activity: Blanketed by Blame
  • 60 minutes: Values Clarification Activity: Vote with Your Feet

Preparation

  • Print, download, and gather materials
  • Update the slide presentation with:
    • Any existing statistics regarding sexual violence prevalence in the context of the region on slide 8
    • Add the legal definition of rape in the setting on slide 20
  • Flip chart: Draw a blank GBV tree (see example in the Facilitator’s Guide)
  • Prepare the following activities:
    • In Her Shoes
    • Blanket by Blame
    • Vote with your Feet Values Clarification

Resources Available Online

Sexual and reproductive health services remain critical during COVID-19

IAWG members and partners are producing clinical and programmatic guidance, assessments, policy papers, and statements to ensure continued prioritization of sexual and reproductive health and rights throughout COVID-19 response in humanitarian settings.